Des Moines, Iowa (October 3, 2013)--Challenges with corn rootworm (CRW) have growers evaluating their insect management options for next season. Recognizing the need for more choices in insect control, DuPont Pioneer in 2014 will offer growers an expanded line up of Optimum® AcreMax® Xtra and Optimum AcreMax XTreme products.

These products provide below-ground insect protection from CRW, as well as above-ground pests such as corn borer. In addition to an increased number of products, Optimum AcreMax Xtra and Optimum AcreMax XTreme hybrids will be available in more geographies and maturity zones.

“CRW populations have a long history of adapting to control methods and because of that the industry needs to look at all options and manage this pest vigilantly,” says Reed Mayberry, DuPont Pioneer senior corn marketing manager. “With products like Optimum AcreMax Xtra more widely available in 2014, growers are able select options tailored to different levels of insect pressure.”

The combined trait protection found in Optimum AcreMax Xtra includes Herculex® XTRA insect traits (combining Herculex® I insect protection for above-ground control and Herculex® RW for CRW control), and the YieldGard® Corn Borer trait for additional above-ground insect control.

Optimum AcreMax XTreme features the Herculex I insect protection and the YieldGard® Corn Borer trait for dual trait above-ground control. For below-ground insect control, Optimum AcreMax XTreme includes two modes of action to protect from CRW; the Herculex RW trait and the Agrisure® RW trait.

“By using multiple modes of action, we can help extend the long-term viability of in-plant insect protection,” Mayberry says.

Both corn products integrate a high-yielding Pioneer® brand hybrid with a similar non-Bt hybrid acting as the in-the-bag refuge. So there is no need to plant a separate refuge; in the Corn Belt it’s just one simple pass across the field.

"Integrated refuge helps assure that Corn Belt refuge requirements are met, reducing the potential for development of insect resistance while working to extend the durability of in-plant protection technologies," Mayberry says.

Another advantage for growers is the herbicide tolerant traits found in the Optimum AcreMax Xtra and Optimum AcreMax XTreme products including the Roundup Ready® corn 2 and Liberty Link® traits. These herbicide resistance traits are also found in the hybrids acting as refuge plants.